Newcastle United are keen on signing Benfica full-back Nuno Tavares in the summer according to reports.
Tavares is a 21-year-old left-back who has been with the Portuguese club since 2015, and is a Portugal Under-21 international.
As per Record (via Sport Witness), the Premier League side have already contacted Benfica over signing Tavares. The report further states that Benfica could allow the youngster to leave the club if they sign Wolves’ Ruben Vinagre.
The Portuguese giants will reportedly settle for a fee of around €30 million for Nuno Tavares. Tavares’ current contract with Benfica expires in 2024.
The youngster has made nearly 40 appearances for the club in all competitions since making his senior debut in 2019.
Nuno Tavares to Newcastle United – What will he add to the team?
Nuno Tavares is a left-footed defender who is primarily a left-back and has played as a right-back a few times. The Portuguese is a quick player who likes to bomb up and down the left flank at every given opportunity. The attacking full-back has loads of flair and loves to take on defenders while attacking.
Newcastle United and Burnley are 'attentive' to the possibility of signing Nuno Tavares and have made attempts to see if Benfica would be prepared to sell the defender this summer.
He’s valued around £13m.#NUFC | O Jogo pic.twitter.com/VLcrSTqlBX
— NUFC HQ (@NUFC_HQ) April 21, 2021
Tavares is also a good crosser of the ball, and can whip crosses into the box. The 21-year-old is a modern full-back who can cause a threat to defences with his attacking intent, quick feet and speed. He is a player with a lot of potential and can become a quality Premier League player.
Newcastle United could benefit from a full-back like Tavares, as their current side lacks speed and attacking quality from full-back positions. Jamal Lewis has been the Magpies’ first-choice left-back in the current season.
Lewis, who joined the club from Norwich City last summer, has been a steady figure at left-back, but he has been a defensive-minded full-back. The youngster doesn’t offer much going forward for Newcastle United.
Steve Bruce’s other options at left-back are Paul Dummett, who doesn’t lack the quality to make Newcastle a force in the league, while Matt Ritchie – the other option – has suffered numerous injuries.
Tavares could be a good addition to Newcastle United, as he would add energy, speed, and flair from the wide positions. He could potentially form a good partnership with Allan Saint-Maximin, who is arguably Newcastle’s best attacking player at the moment.
The Portuguese youngster could turn into a fan-favourite as the Newcastle United faithful love players with flair. While Benfica may demand a slightly high fee, Tavares has the potential to be a very good Premier League full-back.
Bruce and co. may have to trim their squad and get rid of a few players to create funds to sign Tavares.
